Saturday, February 28, 2015
Obedience and Personal Revelation
At the beginning of the year I promised the Lord I would attend all my church meetings, including family home evening, institute, other activities and attending the temple regularly. That may not seem like a big deal but when I felt stressed by the amount of homework I have to do and working full time every minute becomes precious. But I knew, and felt, God would bless me for striving to do what he has asked. For a month it was not a problem. As the homework load increased it became increasingly difficult to still attend all the above mentioned activities. This week was particularly hard to attend institute. Due to other things coming up I lost a day of doing homework. So when institute came around I was sorely tempted not to attend but work on the large pile of homework I knew was before me. However, I knew that id I did not attend I would miss out on something. Or even showing up late I would miss out. So I went. And I am so grateful I did! Within the first five minutes of the lesson I gained some very specific, and much needed, personal revelation. Throughout the entire lesson I continually gained more and more inspiration. I would have missed out on that had I stayed home to do homework. I do believe though that I would have gained that revelation at some point in the future but I feel that it would not have come so clearly or powerfully then. And to top it off when I did finally make it home I was more focused on my homework and I think I did better on the assignments. I was able to get them done in a more timely manner. I was blessed for keeping my commitment. I am so grateful for the blessings of the Lord. I love revelation!
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Knowledge
Have you ever thought about how knowledge sets you free? The more you know the more free you are. In 2 Nephi 15:13 it reads, "Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge." When we have a knowledge of truths, especially gospel truths, we are able to make better decisions. And by so doing we are free.
I was discussing this with a friend and he related it to Proverbs 29:18. "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Knowledge helps us grow. We flourish when we are learning. Applying what we learn brings an even added measure of developing into great men and women.
Although we do find a caution in 2 Nephi 9:29. "But to be learned is good if they harken unto the counsels of God." Heavenly Father wants us to gain knowledge. He wants us to be educated as we make decisions. However, he wants us to remember we receive everything from Him. He is the source of all knowledge.
So the conclusion is, gain as much knowledge as you can and retain in remembrance it comes from God.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Promises
Have you ever noticed how often in the scriptures it says of the Lord, "He is the same, yesterday. today and forever"? Or it says God does not change? In fact he can not change or he would cease to be god. This alone has brought me great comfort. Recently I have come to understand more fully what this means. At least what it means for me and how I can apply this truth in my life.
Because God does not change this means he will continue to keep his promises. From various books of scripture we see God keeps his promises of blessings his people as they obey, as well as curse them if they forget him and wander away. For thousands of years he has done so. Why should he cease to do so now? And why especially should he be any different with me? He isn't, he wouldn't, in fact he could not be different.
So, because he is the same I can trust that what he has promised me, if I am faithful, I will receive. He has promised me as I repent I am forgiven. He has promised as I am obedient to his commandments I will be made strong. As I continue on my journey to becoming like Christ I am assured I will, one day, become perfected in Christ and inherit eternal life. The blessings of the temple are mine as I do my part. God's promises are sure. I trust in him and I look forward to inheriting eternal life! Oh what joy fills my heart at that promise!!
Because God does not change this means he will continue to keep his promises. From various books of scripture we see God keeps his promises of blessings his people as they obey, as well as curse them if they forget him and wander away. For thousands of years he has done so. Why should he cease to do so now? And why especially should he be any different with me? He isn't, he wouldn't, in fact he could not be different.
So, because he is the same I can trust that what he has promised me, if I am faithful, I will receive. He has promised me as I repent I am forgiven. He has promised as I am obedient to his commandments I will be made strong. As I continue on my journey to becoming like Christ I am assured I will, one day, become perfected in Christ and inherit eternal life. The blessings of the temple are mine as I do my part. God's promises are sure. I trust in him and I look forward to inheriting eternal life! Oh what joy fills my heart at that promise!!
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Begin Again
I have begun to study the Book of Mormon again. I do not know how many times I have studied this book. Many, many times. Yet, each time I study I learn something. I read the same chapters and verses again and again and my testimony grows. The stories have become very familiar to me. And I still learn something from them.
For example, as I studied the first couple chapters of 1 Nephi I thought of what Lehi must have been thinking and feeling. Was he worried about how he would provide for his family as they journeyed in the wilderness? Did he hope this would help his sons, Laman and Lemuel, seek after the Lord and become strong priesthood holders? Was it difficult to leave his home and Jerusalem? Did he wish he could remain and continue preaching in the hopes some soul would repent and come unto Christ?
I do not know the answers to these questions. But I do know Lehi obeyed the command of the Lord. He had many afflictions on his journey. But he continued on and received a great reward. He received visions and lived to see his family to the promised land. All this adds to my determination to follow the inspiration I receive. I do not know all the blessings the Lord wants to bless me with. I can not imagine. Nor, I expect, could Lehi envision how blessed he would be. However, moving forward, trusting in the Lord will bring happiness. It will also bring growth and greater understanding. I will move forward and trust the Lord.
For example, as I studied the first couple chapters of 1 Nephi I thought of what Lehi must have been thinking and feeling. Was he worried about how he would provide for his family as they journeyed in the wilderness? Did he hope this would help his sons, Laman and Lemuel, seek after the Lord and become strong priesthood holders? Was it difficult to leave his home and Jerusalem? Did he wish he could remain and continue preaching in the hopes some soul would repent and come unto Christ?
I do not know the answers to these questions. But I do know Lehi obeyed the command of the Lord. He had many afflictions on his journey. But he continued on and received a great reward. He received visions and lived to see his family to the promised land. All this adds to my determination to follow the inspiration I receive. I do not know all the blessings the Lord wants to bless me with. I can not imagine. Nor, I expect, could Lehi envision how blessed he would be. However, moving forward, trusting in the Lord will bring happiness. It will also bring growth and greater understanding. I will move forward and trust the Lord.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Hay Esperanza
En los últimos días y semanas he pensado en perseverar hasta el fin. Parece más bien desalentadora. Sobre todo cuando me doy cuenta de todas mis debilidades y lo que necesito para ser antes de que yo estoy preparado para estar en la presencia de Dios. Créame que hay un montón. Mi lista es cerca de seis páginas. Y no es completa. Estoy seguro de que conforme pasa el tiempo se añadirán más a esa lista.
Pero a pesar de que tengo la esperanza. A pesar de que puedo ver mis debilidades y de la vida delante de mí, todo lo que aún deben realizar, he encontrado la paz y la esperanza. Y ha llegado a través de las Escrituras, las palabras de los profetas modernos, y la oración. Como dije en mi última entrada, yo sé en quien he confiado. Mi confianza está en mi Padre Celestial y el gran plan de felicidad que siente por mí. mi meta es la vida eterna, a vivir con nuestro Padre Celestial ya mi familia por la eternidad.
En Leales a la fe que dice en la vida eterna:
"Al reflexionar sobre su progreso en el" estrecho y angosto camino, "estar seguros de que la vida eterna está a su alcance. El Señor quiere que vuelvas a Él, y Él nunca se requiere de nada de ti que no puede cumplir. Todos sus preceptos; tengan por objeto promover su felicidad. Cuando usted se ejercita la fe y servirle con todas tus fuerzas, Él te da la fuerza y proporciona una manera para que usted pueda hacer lo que Él te ordena (véase 1 Nefi 3:7). Recuerde que, como usted da a su mayor esfuerzo y arrepentirse de sus pecados, la expiación de Jesucristo compensar su debilidad y de las desigualdades, las lesiones y dolores que experimentamos en esta vida: "Sabemos que es por la gracia que nos salvamos, después de todo lo que podamos hacer "(2 Nefi 25:23).
Me encanta esto. Mientras estamos en el camino se nos promete que podemos obtener la vida eterna. El Señor quiere que volvamos a él. Él nos ayudará. Él nos da la fuerza para seguir adelante. Pero sólo si nos volvemos a Él y somos obedientes a lo que Él nos pide que hagamos.
Me gusta especialmente lo que dice en la mitad del párrafo. "Todos los mandamientos se calculan para promover su felicidad." Para mí, eso significa que si somos obedientes a lo que Él ha ordenado que sea feliz. Sé que esto es cierto. Estoy agradecido por esta vida que tengo que aprender y crecer. Estoy agradecido de que sé que puedo obtener la vida eterna. Esta seguridad me trae alegría. Mi gozo es completo porque sé que puede tener la vida eterna.
Pero a pesar de que tengo la esperanza. A pesar de que puedo ver mis debilidades y de la vida delante de mí, todo lo que aún deben realizar, he encontrado la paz y la esperanza. Y ha llegado a través de las Escrituras, las palabras de los profetas modernos, y la oración. Como dije en mi última entrada, yo sé en quien he confiado. Mi confianza está en mi Padre Celestial y el gran plan de felicidad que siente por mí. mi meta es la vida eterna, a vivir con nuestro Padre Celestial ya mi familia por la eternidad.
En Leales a la fe que dice en la vida eterna:
"Al reflexionar sobre su progreso en el" estrecho y angosto camino, "estar seguros de que la vida eterna está a su alcance. El Señor quiere que vuelvas a Él, y Él nunca se requiere de nada de ti que no puede cumplir. Todos sus preceptos; tengan por objeto promover su felicidad. Cuando usted se ejercita la fe y servirle con todas tus fuerzas, Él te da la fuerza y proporciona una manera para que usted pueda hacer lo que Él te ordena (véase 1 Nefi 3:7). Recuerde que, como usted da a su mayor esfuerzo y arrepentirse de sus pecados, la expiación de Jesucristo compensar su debilidad y de las desigualdades, las lesiones y dolores que experimentamos en esta vida: "Sabemos que es por la gracia que nos salvamos, después de todo lo que podamos hacer "(2 Nefi 25:23).
Me encanta esto. Mientras estamos en el camino se nos promete que podemos obtener la vida eterna. El Señor quiere que volvamos a él. Él nos ayudará. Él nos da la fuerza para seguir adelante. Pero sólo si nos volvemos a Él y somos obedientes a lo que Él nos pide que hagamos.
Me gusta especialmente lo que dice en la mitad del párrafo. "Todos los mandamientos se calculan para promover su felicidad." Para mí, eso significa que si somos obedientes a lo que Él ha ordenado que sea feliz. Sé que esto es cierto. Estoy agradecido por esta vida que tengo que aprender y crecer. Estoy agradecido de que sé que puedo obtener la vida eterna. Esta seguridad me trae alegría. Mi gozo es completo porque sé que puede tener la vida eterna.
There is Hope
In the past few days and weeks I have thought about enduring to the end. It seems rather daunting. Especially when I realize all my weaknesses and what i need to become before I'm prepared to stand in the presence of God. Believe me there is a whole lot. My list is about six pages long. And it's not complete. I'm sure as time progresses more will be added to that list.
But even with that I have hope. Even though I can see my weaknesses and the life ahead of me, everything yet to accomplish, I have found peace and hope. And it has come through the scriptures, words from latter-day prophets, and prayer. As I said in my last entry, I know in whom I have trusted. My confidence is in my Heavenly Father and the great plan of happiness he has for me. my goal is eternal life; to live with Heavenly Father and my family for eternity.
In True to the Faith it says under Eternal Life:
"As you ponder your progress on the “strait and narrow path,” be assured that eternal life is within your reach. The Lord wants you to return to Him, and He will never require anything of you that you cannot fulfill. All His commandments are calculated to promote your happiness. When you exercise faith and serve Him with all your might, He gives you strength and provides a way for you to do whatever He commands you (see 1 Nephi 3:7). Remember that as you give your greatest effort and repent of your sins, the Atonement of Jesus Christ will compensate for your weakness and for the inequities, injuries, and pains you experience in this life: “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23).
I love this. As long as we are on the path we are promised that we can obtain eternal life. The Lord wants us to return to Him. He will help us. He gives us the strength to go on. But only if we turn to Him and we're obedient to what He asks us to do.
I particularly like what it says in the middle of the paragraph. "All His commandments are calculated to promote your happiness." To me that means that if we're obedient to what He has commanded we will be happy. I know this is true. I'm grateful for this life that I have to learn and grow. I'm grateful that I know I can obtain eternal life. This assurance brings me joy. My joy is full because I know I can have eternal life.
True to the Faith:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=aa8b991a83d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=7b2a5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
But even with that I have hope. Even though I can see my weaknesses and the life ahead of me, everything yet to accomplish, I have found peace and hope. And it has come through the scriptures, words from latter-day prophets, and prayer. As I said in my last entry, I know in whom I have trusted. My confidence is in my Heavenly Father and the great plan of happiness he has for me. my goal is eternal life; to live with Heavenly Father and my family for eternity.
In True to the Faith it says under Eternal Life:
"As you ponder your progress on the “strait and narrow path,” be assured that eternal life is within your reach. The Lord wants you to return to Him, and He will never require anything of you that you cannot fulfill. All His commandments are calculated to promote your happiness. When you exercise faith and serve Him with all your might, He gives you strength and provides a way for you to do whatever He commands you (see 1 Nephi 3:7). Remember that as you give your greatest effort and repent of your sins, the Atonement of Jesus Christ will compensate for your weakness and for the inequities, injuries, and pains you experience in this life: “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23).
I love this. As long as we are on the path we are promised that we can obtain eternal life. The Lord wants us to return to Him. He will help us. He gives us the strength to go on. But only if we turn to Him and we're obedient to what He asks us to do.
I particularly like what it says in the middle of the paragraph. "All His commandments are calculated to promote your happiness." To me that means that if we're obedient to what He has commanded we will be happy. I know this is true. I'm grateful for this life that I have to learn and grow. I'm grateful that I know I can obtain eternal life. This assurance brings me joy. My joy is full because I know I can have eternal life.
True to the Faith:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=aa8b991a83d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=7b2a5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Saturday, March 3, 2012
"Yo sé en quien he confiado"
Recientemente hemos tenido muchas personas nos dicen que tenemos que comprobar nuestros recursos. Eso tal vez pudo haber sido llevar por mal camino y nosotros estamos engañados. Los amantes expresan su preocupación y nos dicen que leer la Biblia y tomar una mirada más cercana a lo que dice. A menudo te preguntas que son oscuras o están en busca de pruebas físicas que lo que creemos y enseñamos es verdad. Y no es algo inventado o cambiado por el hombre.
Le invito a pedir a Dios, su Padre Celestial, si la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días es verdadera. Si tenemos un profeta viviente. Si José Smith fue un profeta de Dios y que él restauró el Evangelio de Jesucristo una vez más en la tierra en su plenitud. Le invito a leer y orar acerca del Libro de Mormón. Doy testimonio de que estas cosas son verdaderas. Y lo hago en el nombre de Jesucristo y como su representante.No necesitamos a la pregunta o me pregunto si lo que vemos, oímos o leemos es verdad. No tenemos a vagar en la oscuridad. Podemos pedirle a Dios lo que es verdadero y qué es de él. "Si alguno de vosotros tiene falta de sabiduría, pídala a Dios, el cual da a todos abundantemente y sin reproche,. Y le será dada" (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/james/1?lang=spa) Todo lo que necesita hacer es preguntar. Él le responderá. Sé que esta promesa es verdadera. Le he pedido. He recibido respuestas. Y yo, al igual que Nefi (un profeta en el Libro de Mormón), puede decir: "Yo sé en quien he confiado". (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2?lang=spa) Confío en Dios.Con cada encuentro mi testimonio de la veracidad de este evangelio, el evangelio de Jesucristo, se fortalece. Mi testimonio de oraciones respondidas y de revelación personal y moderna se hace más firme. Sé, sin duda, que he recibido respuestas a mis oraciones. Sé, sin duda, que yo soy una hija amada y preciosa de Dios. Yo sé que Él me ama, y oye mis oraciones. Yo sé que el Libro de Mormón es verdadero. Sé que tenemos un profeta viviente que conduce y nos guía hoy en día. Yo sé que si buscamos a nuestro Padre Celestial en oración Él responderá. La oración es real. La revelación personal es real. Podemos recibir respuestas a las preguntas esas que tanto deseamos saber las respuestas. Y es sólo a través de la búsqueda de nuestro Padre Celestial en oración.
Le invito a pedir a Dios, su Padre Celestial, si la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días es verdadera. Si tenemos un profeta viviente. Si José Smith fue un profeta de Dios y que él restauró el Evangelio de Jesucristo una vez más en la tierra en su plenitud. Le invito a leer y orar acerca del Libro de Mormón. Doy testimonio de que estas cosas son verdaderas. Y lo hago en el nombre de Jesucristo y como su representante.No necesitamos a la pregunta o me pregunto si lo que vemos, oímos o leemos es verdad. No tenemos a vagar en la oscuridad. Podemos pedirle a Dios lo que es verdadero y qué es de él. "Si alguno de vosotros tiene falta de sabiduría, pídala a Dios, el cual da a todos abundantemente y sin reproche,. Y le será dada" (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/james/1?lang=spa) Todo lo que necesita hacer es preguntar. Él le responderá. Sé que esta promesa es verdadera. Le he pedido. He recibido respuestas. Y yo, al igual que Nefi (un profeta en el Libro de Mormón), puede decir: "Yo sé en quien he confiado". (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2?lang=spa) Confío en Dios.Con cada encuentro mi testimonio de la veracidad de este evangelio, el evangelio de Jesucristo, se fortalece. Mi testimonio de oraciones respondidas y de revelación personal y moderna se hace más firme. Sé, sin duda, que he recibido respuestas a mis oraciones. Sé, sin duda, que yo soy una hija amada y preciosa de Dios. Yo sé que Él me ama, y oye mis oraciones. Yo sé que el Libro de Mormón es verdadero. Sé que tenemos un profeta viviente que conduce y nos guía hoy en día. Yo sé que si buscamos a nuestro Padre Celestial en oración Él responderá. La oración es real. La revelación personal es real. Podemos recibir respuestas a las preguntas esas que tanto deseamos saber las respuestas. Y es sólo a través de la búsqueda de nuestro Padre Celestial en oración.
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